The Movements
Gentle, non-strenuous movements
Gentle, non-strenuous movements
Dragon & Tiger FAQ
How long does it take to do one set?
10 to 15 minutes
How much do I need to practice?
Once you know the set, 3~5 times per week is good. While learning it is best to practice at least 20 minutes per day 4 or 5 times per week. Doing one set will clear out most of whatever happened today, doing two sets will start the process of clearing out past junk.
Is it difficult?
No. It doesn’t require athletic ability, and the way it is taught allows the less skilled of us to easily learn it. It is very forgiving, doing it ‘sort of right’ will still give you benefits. “It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.” Miyamoto Musashi.
What kind of physical ability does it require?
It is a low impact activity. To do the set standing, you need to be able to stand for 10 to 15 minutes at a stretch. You will be gently moving your arms and legs and shifting weight from one leg to the other. You stay within the range of motion that is comfortable for knees, hips, shoulders, etc. You can do the set sitting in a chair (or wheelchair), or lying in bed.
I can’t feel qi (chi). Is that a problem?
No. Most people don’t when they start to practice. This is one of the sets that gives people an easy opportunity to learn to feel the energy of their own body.
Do I have to believe something for this to work?
No. You just have to do the set. The important thing in the practice is feeling and noticing sensations in your body.
How soon will I start to get results?
Almost from when you begin to learn. You’ll feel more relaxed, calmer, your mind a little clearer.
Where did you learn this?
I learned this from Bruce Frantzis and his senior students. Bruce learned it from Zhang Jia Hua, a Chinese doctor who was vice president of the All China Qigong Association. She received it from her uncle, who was an Abbott at the Shaolin Temple before World War 2.
What does the set do?
It helps break up and clear stagnant energy – junk that is left in the body from mental, emotional and physical trauma. It slowly and gently clears the energetic plumbing and wiring of your body. Improved circulation of qi and body fluids boost your energy levels and healing capacity.
Why this set?
There are others that are easier to learn, but they tend not to produce as many results or only do one thing in the body. There are sets that do more, but they can take months to learn properly and require a lot of precision. I’ve learned at least a dozen different qigong sets, this is the one that had the biggest effect from small amounts of practice.
Why is it called ‘medical qigong’?
This set was widely prescribed in China for healing and in my experience it does tend to fix things. It is one of the two sets that was widely taught to cancer patients in Chinese hospitals, if they practiced three to five hours per day they would get clinically significant results.
